The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has cancelled its 2020 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which was scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida from 6-8 October.

The cancellation is based on guidance from public health officials at all levels of government addressing the unique, complex COVID-19 related challenges associated with large indoor venues. The Florida Department of Health has recently issued an advisory recommending that individuals avoid participation in gatherings of more than 50 people.

In addition, numerous states, including Florida, have onerous travel restrictions in place, and flights to and from many international countries are banned. These restrictions make it extremely difficult for individuals and companies to participate in the event.

“The promotion of safety is a primary reason NBAA was founded in 1947, and safety is at the foundation of all we are today,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “As COVID-19 has emerged as a pandemic, NBAA has consistently looked to local, state, federal and global health officials to inform our decisions and guide our actions with regard to live events. NBAA has always advised its members to conduct a thorough risk evaluation before every flight to determine whether or not the mission can be safely conducted. We have brought that same discipline to the upcoming NBAA-BACE, and we regret that this year's event must be grounded. We will immediately begin working with exhibitors and others as we wind down this year's event and begin preparations for next year's NBAA-BACE.

“On behalf of the NBAA board of directors, advisory council and association staff, we thank our convention exhibitors, attendees and other participants for their patience, loyalty and partnership as we move through these unprecedented and challenging times.”

The 2021 NBAA-BACE will take place from 12-14 October in Las Vegas, Nevada.